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Officials have been unable to confirm reports that two Australians are being held hostage under the threat of execution in Iraq, Prime Minister John Howard said today.

Mr Howard said the Australian ambassador in Baghdad and other officials were trying to verify claims that two Australians were being held and threatened with death.

A statement attributed to the Horror Brigades of the Islamic Secret Army, handed to reporters in the Sunni Muslim stronghold of Samarra yesterday, gave Australia 24 hours to pull its troops out of Iraq, or the hostages would be executed.

"The ambassador and the authorities in Iraq are trying to find out whether this report is accurate. So far we've not had confirmation of that," Mr Howard told reporters in Adelaide.

He said Australians should try to contact relatives and friends known to be in Iraq.

"If they have difficulty getting in touch with them (they should) be in touch with the Department of Foreign Affairs," Mr Howard said.

The Horror Brigades is believed to be linked to the Secret Islamic Army, which has claimed responsibility for a number of hostage executions.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said all of the 88 Australian civilians registered with the Australian embassy in Baghdad had been accounted for.

Checks had also been conducted with four companies that employ Australians.

Three companies were satisfied with their checks but one company had expressed concerns and was carrying out a re-check, Mr Downer said.

The statement from the group warned: "One of our brave brigades ambushed civilian cars belonging to the American army on the motorway from Baghdad to Mosul.

"It took four prisoners - two Australians and two east Asian nationals who were working as security contractors for important people.

"We tell the infidels of Australia that they have 24 hours to leave Iraq or the two Australians will be killed without a second chance.

"The prime minister must announce the withdrawal personally if he is concerned about his two citizens."

The Australian consular emergency centre can be contacted on 1300 555 135.